what does "ccd" mean in the context of Barcode scanners? and what's
the difference between a CCD scanner and a "laser" scanner?  Which is
better?

Hi there,

"...CCD stands for charge coupled device, which is a photosensitive
component, often used in fax machines, page scanners, and video
cameras. These scanners are the size, shape and weight of a car
windshield ice scraper. They're used much like little vacuum cleaners.
To scan, the "nozzle" of the scanner is simply placed on top of the
bar code symbol and a trigger on the underside of the scanner is
depressed. (Some CCD scanners are "triggerless" and scan the bar code
automatically.) The scanning is automatic, although the scanning range
is seldom more than an inch or two. Many CCD scanners are cheaply
manufactured and will not withstand the rigours of most long-term
scanning applications"

Taken from the Aurora Barcodes website:
http://216.239.33.100/search?q=cache:B3phuOB5a2IC:www.aurorabarcode.com/PDF/Four%2520Common%2520Handheld%2520Scanners%2520for%2520Libraries.pdf+%22ccd+stands+for%22&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

Which is better depends on your needs:

"CCDs: CCD stands for Charged Coupled Device.  The technology is
similar to cameras.  Just point it at the label and pull the trigger
("point and shoot").  PROS: Best performance/price ratio, very rugged
(no moving parts), easy to use.  CONS: Many types have limits to how
wide your barcodes can be."

"Lasers:  Uses an actual laser to scan.  Just point it at the barcode
and pull the trigger ("point and shoot").  PROS: Easy to use, best
range, usually the best for difficult targets.   CONS: More expensive,
least rugged."

There are also:

"Wands: Wands must be swiped across the barcode as if you were drawing
a line through it.   PROS: Most rugged, least expensive, perfect for
barcode menus.  CONS: Most difficult to use, not for curved surfaces,
causes wear and tear on labels."

"Imagers: A powerful on-board computer can capture and process
two-dimensional images (including linear barcodes, 2D barcodes, OCR,
signature, and other images).  PROS: Omni-directional, wide range of
targets supported.  CONS: Expensive."

Found at Input Automation (click on the links found on this page to
see examples of the available scanners):
http://www.inputautomation.com/scanners.htm

More advanced info can be found in the online article "Picking the
Right
Scanner" by Ed Hubben:
http://www.idsystems.com/reader/1998_07/bcb0798.htm

The Barcode Software Center has diagrams and explanations of how each
of the scanning technologies work:
http://www.makebarcode.com/scanners/scantech.html

Search strategy:

"barcode scanners" "ccd"
://www.google.com/search?num=30&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&newwindow=1&q=%22barcode+scanners%22+%22ccd%22&spell=1

Thanks for your question. I have spent thousands of hours using CCD
scanners and never knew how they worked (until now).

Best wishes,
robertskelton-ga

Great, thanks.